New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology

Programme overview

It takes a team of skilled people to take a building from plan to plot – and as an architectural technician (or technologist), your role will be pivotal.

Using structural principles, graphical skills, and the latest technologies, you’ll work collaboratively with architects to turn design concepts into the documentation needed to start construction.

The New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology (Level 6) prepares you for a career in this field –offering a great mix of building science, systems, and software and establishing relationships with various people, from team members to clients, tradies, suppliers, and local councils.

You’ll learn about the structural systems and architectural methods required to:

Measure building sites correctly
Create floor plans accurately
Consider building limitations, including environmental impacts and sustainable construction methods.

It’s work that directly impacts the construction of people’s homes and large-scale commercial buildings.

Highlights

Emphasis on real-world applications – in conjunction with our trade school, we facilitate building site visits (where possible.)
Learn to master the latest technology – Gain exposure and experience with various construction software, including CAD (Computer Aided-Design) and BIM (Building Information Management).
Nationally recognised qualification is endorsed by professional organisations – essential when applying for jobs.
Well-established programme – with highly-experienced teaching staff and great graduate employment opportunities
Take your studies further – cross-credits are available for the Bachelor of Construction and Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

Preparing for study

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

You’ll need the right equipment to meet health and safety requirements when visiting building sites. We recommend purchasing these items in advance:

Safety boots (steel-capped shoes)
High-visibility vest
Hard hat

Career Options

Design draftsperson
Architectural technician
Design technician
CAD technician
Draughtsperson
Architectural Technologist

Visit the Department of School of Architecture

Annual Tuition Fees

Domestic/NZ students
$7,900 (NZD)
(Approximate fees only - includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy. Your final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. View options for funding your study and fees-free eligibility)

International students
$26,391 (approximate fees for 120 credit only)

Save upto $2,000 (NZD) with Unitec International Study Grant 2025.Terms and conditions apply.

Semester Dates

Sem 1 2025: 24 Feb – 29 Jun
Sem 2 2025: 21 Jul – 23 Nov
For course and class timings, refer to the specific course webpage. For StudyLink purposes, please ensure your application states your earliest course start date.

Downloads and resources

New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology - Programme Regulation as at Feb 2024 (PDF, 167KB) Order a personalised brochure Scholarships and awards Student Life For Māori students For Pacific students For International students

Admission requirements

What you will need to study this programme.

Domestic students

Academic requirements

You must have completed at least one of the following:

NCEA Level 2 including mathematics and NCEA Level 1 including literacy; or
A relevant qualification at NZQCF Level 4 or above; or
A recognised equivalent.

And meet one of the English entry requirements;

All applicants (international and domestic) for whom English or te reo Māori is not a first language need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

For more information, For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 161 KB)

International students

Academic requirements

As a part of this requirement, you must be at least 16 years of age and meet one of the following;

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age when they begin their studies, and they should meet the country-specific admission requirement or
Successful completion of relevant programme

And English entry requirements;

If English is not your first language, you will also need at least one of the following qualifications:

Evidence of an IELTS (Academic) band score of at least 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or
Evidence of English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA Rules on the Unitec English Language Requirements for International Students Web-page.

Don’t meet these Academic requirements?

If you don’t meet the academic criteria, our Bridging Education Programmes can help you qualify. Simply apply online, and we’ll discuss your next steps.
If you don’t meet the above criteria, special or discretionary admission may apply; your eligibility will be determined at the interview.

For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 161 KB)

Courses and timetables

For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.

program code:NZDAR - NZDAR

Compulsory Course ID:013749 - 5001TP - Introduction to Construction

Course count:54

Compulsory Course ID:013750 - 5002TP - Materials and Structural Principles

Course count:54

Compulsory Course ID:013751 - 5003TP - Environment

Course count:162

Compulsory Course ID:013752 - 5004TP - Services

Course count:162

Compulsory Course ID:013753 - 5005TP - Construction 1 Residential

Course count:138

Compulsory Course ID:013754 - 5706TP - Drawing 1

Course count:6

Compulsory Course ID:013755 - 5707TP - Scoping and Preliminary Design 1

Course count:8

Compulsory Course ID:013756 - 5708TP - Documentation 1

Course count:16

Compulsory Course ID:013757 - 6001TP - Construction 2 Commercial

Course count:54

Compulsory Course ID:013758 - 6702TP - Contract Administration

Course count:1

Compulsory Course ID:013759 - 6703TP - Design in the Built Environment

Course count:1

Compulsory Course ID:013760 - 6704TP - Detailing

Course count:4

Compulsory Course ID:013761 - 6705TP - Documentation 2

Course count:2

Compulsory Course ID:013762 - 6706TP - Scoping and Preliminary Design 2

Course count:4

Compulsory Course ID:013763 - 6707TP - Virtual Design and Construction

Course count:1

Compulsory Course ID:013764 - 6708TP - Industry Project

Course count:1
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Compulsory first Course array:5

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$elective courses array - array(0) { }

Courses	Credits	Aim
Introduction to Construction(CONS5001TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop knowledge of roles, responsibilities, documentation and communication in the construction environment.
Materials and Structural Principles(CONS5002TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and skills of structural principles and the properties of materials and finishes applicable to building projects.
Environment(CONS5003TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to evaluate site and building limitations including environmental impacts and sustainable methods of construction.
Services(CONS5004TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and skills relevant to the purpose, operating principles, coordination, and legislative requirements required to manage a range of services in small, medium, and large buildings.
Construction 1 Residential(CONS5005TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop and apply knowledge and skills related to structures, building envelope and the interior for a small building.
Drawing 1(CONS5706TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop graphical skills and knowledge to prepare design and construction documentation.
Scoping and Preliminary Design 1(CONS5707TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to develop a preliminary architectural design for a small building project.
Documentation 1(CONS5708TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare the documentation required for the construction of small buildings.

Courses	Credits	Aim
Construction 2 Commercial(CONS6001TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to select and incorporate foundation methods, structural systems, building envelope and the interior for medium and large buildings.
Contract Administration(CONS6702TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare tender documentation, evaluate a tender and complete post tender, construction and post-construction administration.
Design in the Built Environment(CONS6703TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to apply social and cultural factors to the design principles of the built environment.
Detailing(CONS6704TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to interpret and prepare construction details.
Documentation 2(CONS6705TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare documentation required for the construction of medium buildings.
Scoping and Preliminary Design 2(CONS6706TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare building proposals, building design drawings and associated approval documentation.
Virtual Design and Construction(CONS6707TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop the knowledge of the principles of building information modelling in order to establish design solutions.
Industry Project(CONS6708TP)	15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS)	The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and skills to conduct and present the findings of an investigation within the construction industry.

New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology